--- title: "UK Trademark Assignment & Transfer | GTC" description: "How to transfer UK trademark ownership. UKIPO Form TM16, partial assignment, licensing under TMA 1994, recording requirements, and common pitfalls explained." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "UK Trademark Assignment: How to Transfer Ownership with UKIPO", "description": "How to transfer UK trademark ownership. UKIPO Form TM16, partial assignment, licensing under TMA 1994, recording requirements, and common pitfalls explained.", "image": "https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/application-files/blog/uk-trademark-assignment-transfer.jpg?t=1780411463110", "datePublished": "2026-01-18T10:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-06-21T15:53:49.676957+00:00", "inLanguage": "en-US", "isAccessibleForFree": true, "articleSection": "guides", "keywords": "UK trademark assignment, trademark transfer UK, UKIPO Form TM16, trademark ownership transfer, trademark licensing UK", "wordCount": 1258, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Snehaja Rana", "jobTitle": "Senior Associate & Attorney", "image": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/team/snehaja.jpg", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/team/snehaja-rana" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog/uk-trademark-assignment-transfer" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "UK Trademark Assignment: How to Transfer Ownership with UKIPO", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog/uk-trademark-assignment-transfer" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does it cost to record a trademark assignment with the UKIPO?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There is no official fee for recording an assignment with the UKIPO using Form TM16." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does it take to record an assignment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The UKIPO typically processes Form TM16 within 2–4 weeks. Online submissions may be faster." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I assign a UK trademark to a foreign company?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. There are no nationality or residence restrictions on trademark ownership in the UK. A foreign company can own UK trademarks." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need to assign goodwill with the trademark?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. The TMA 1994 allows assignment with or without goodwill. However, assigning without goodwill in circumstances that could cause public confusion may be challenged." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Form TM16?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Form TM16 is the UKIPO form for recording a change of ownership (assignment). It must be signed by the assignor, assignee, or their authorized representatives." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I assign a trademark that is under opposition?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Pending proceedings do not prevent assignment. However, the new owner takes on the application subject to any ongoing opposition." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens if the assignor goes bankrupt?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Trademarks in bankruptcy transfer as part of the estate. The trustee in bankruptcy or administrator can assign the mark. Recording with the UKIPO requires evidence of the insolvency appointment. ---" } } ] } ] --- [](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources Sign inEN · USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. / 3. [Blog](/blog) 4. / 5. UK Trademark Assignment: How to Transfer Ownership with UKIPO [Back to Blog](/blog) guides # UK Trademark Assignment: How to Transfer Ownership with UKIPO ![Snehaja Rana](/team/snehaja.jpg)Snehaja Rana · Senior Associate & IP Specialist January 18, 2026 13 min read Share Last updated: June 21, 2026 ![UK Trademark Assignment: How to Transfer Ownership with UKIPO](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/uk-trademark-assignment-transfer.jpg?width=1200&quality=80&resize=contain&t=1780411463110) In this article [What Is a Trademark Assignment?](#what-is-a-trademark-assignment)[Types of Trademark Transfer](#types-of-trademark-transfer)[Requirements for a Valid Assignment](#requirements-for-a-valid-assignment)[Recording the Assignment with UKIPO](#recording-the-assignment-with-ukipo)[Assignment of Pending Applications](#assignment-of-pending-applications)[Licensing vs Assignment](#licensing-vs-assignment)[Corporate Mergers and Restructuring](#corporate-mergers-and-restructuring)[Security Interests](#security-interests)[International Considerations](#international-considerations)[Common Pitfalls](#common-pitfalls)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[Transfer Your Trademark with Confidence](#transfer-your-trademark-with-confidence) ## UK Trademark Assignment: How to Transfer Ownership with UKIPO Transferring ownership of a UK trademark — whether through a sale, merger, corporate restructuring, or gift — requires proper documentation and recording with the UKIPO. Failing to record an assignment can leave the new owner unable to enforce the mark. This guide covers the UK trademark assignment process, including legal requirements, UKIPO forms, and common pitfalls. > **Pro tip:** Planning to acquire or sell a trademark? [Request a free trademark check](/free-trademark-check) to verify the mark's status and any encumbrances before completing the transfer. ## What Is a Trademark Assignment? An assignment is the transfer of ownership of a trademark from one party (the **assignor**) to another (the **assignee**). Under the Trade Marks Act 1994: - **Section 24(1)** — A registered trademark is transmissible by assignment, testamentary disposition, or operation of law - **Section 24(2)** — An assignment may be **partial**, covering only some of the goods/services - **Section 24(3)** — An assignment must be in **writing** and signed by or on behalf of the assignor ## Types of Trademark Transfer ### Full Assignment The entire trademark registration is transferred to the new owner for all goods/services. ### Partial Assignment Only a portion of the trademark registration is transferred. This can be: - **By goods/services** — e.g., assigning the mark for Class 25 (clothing) but retaining it for Class 18 (leather goods) - **By limitation** — e.g., assigning rights for specific geographic markets within the UK **Important:** Partial assignments create two separate registrations — the original (reduced) and the new (assigned portion). Both owners can enforce their respective rights. ### Assignment with or Without Goodwill Unlike some jurisdictions, UK law allows assignment **with or without** the goodwill of the business. However: - Assignment without goodwill may raise questions about the mark's validity if it could cause confusion - The UKIPO does not prevent such assignments, but third parties could challenge them ## Requirements for a Valid Assignment 1. **Written agreement** — oral assignments are not valid for registered trademarks 2. **Signed by the assignor** — or by someone authorized to sign on their behalf 3. **Clear identification** of the trademark(s) being assigned 4. **Specification of goods/services** if the assignment is partial 5. **Consideration** (payment) — not strictly required but recommended for contractual certainty ## Recording the Assignment with UKIPO While an assignment is legally effective from the date of the written agreement, **recording with the UKIPO is strongly recommended**. ### Why Record? - An unrecorded assignment means the new owner may not be able to claim damages or obtain an account of profits in infringement proceedings for the period before recording - The register shows the assignor as owner — which can cause confusion and enforcement difficulties - Third parties checking the register won't know about the transfer ### How to Record File **Form TM16** with the UKIPO: - **Online:** Through the [GOV.UK trademark services](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trade-mark-form-tm16) - **By post:** Send the completed form to the UKIPO **Required documents:** - Form TM16 (signed by both parties, or by one party with the written consent of the other) - Copy of the assignment agreement (or a summary confirming the transfer) **Fee:** No fee for recording an assignment with the UKIPO. > **The GTC advantage:** Our [trademark assignment service](/services/trademark-assignment) handles the complete transfer process — from drafting the assignment agreement to recording with the UKIPO. ## Assignment of Pending Applications You can assign a trademark application **before** it's registered. The process is the same — written agreement + Form TM16. The UKIPO will update the applicant name on the pending application. ## Licensing vs Assignment An assignment permanently transfers ownership. If you want to allow another party to use your mark without transferring ownership, consider a **licence** instead. The TMA 1994 provides for licensing under **Sections 28–31**: ### Types of Licences - **Exclusive licence** (Section 29) — only the licensee can use the mark (even excluding the trademark owner) - **Non-exclusive licence** — multiple licensees can use the mark simultaneously - **Sub-licence** — a licensee grants further licences (only if the original licence permits) ### Recording Licences Licences can be recorded on the UKIPO register using **Form TM50** (for exclusive licences) or **Form TM51** (for non-exclusive licences). Recording is important because: - An exclusive licensee has the right to bring infringement proceedings (Section 31) - A recorded licensee has certain rights against successors in title ## Corporate Mergers and Restructuring When trademarks transfer as part of a corporate merger, acquisition, or restructuring: - The transfer happens by **operation of law** (no separate assignment agreement needed) - You should still record the change with the UKIPO - Provide the UKIPO with evidence of the corporate change (e.g., merger certificate, court order) ## Security Interests A UK trademark can be used as **security** for a loan or other financial obligation (Section 24(5) TMA 1994). The security interest can be recorded on the UKIPO register, giving notice to third parties. ## International Considerations If you're assigning UK trademarks as part of a global portfolio transfer: - Each jurisdiction has its own recording requirements - Madrid Protocol registrations require notification through WIPO - EU trademarks require recording with the EUIPO - Consider whether the assignment covers comparable UK trademarks (created from EUTMs post-Brexit) For multi-jurisdiction assignments, our [international trademark service](/services/international-trademark) coordinates the process across all relevant offices. ## Common Pitfalls 1. **Failing to record** — the new owner may not be able to recover damages in infringement proceedings 2. **Oral assignments** — not valid for registered trademarks; must be in writing 3. **Forgetting partial assignments** — if you only sell part of the business, ensure the trademark assignment matches 4. **Not checking for encumbrances** — licences, security interests, or pending proceedings may affect the transfer 5. **Ignoring comparable UK marks** — if the trademark was originally an EUTM, don't forget the comparable UK trademark created at Brexit 6. **Missing related registrations** — ensure all related marks (variations, different classes) are included ## Transfer Your Trademark with Confidence Whether you're buying, selling, or restructuring trademark ownership, proper documentation and recording are essential. Global Trademark Company handles the complete process. [Start with a free trademark check →](/free-trademark-check) ### Need help with your trademark? Get a free trademark check from our specialists, no obligation. Transfer Your Trademark Or [learn more about this service →](/services/uk-trademark) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does it cost to record a trademark assignment with the UKIPO? ### How long does it take to record an assignment? ### Can I assign a UK trademark to a foreign company? ### Do I need to assign goodwill with the trademark? ### What is Form TM16? ### Can I assign a trademark that is under opposition? ### What happens if the assignor goes bankrupt? ### Ready to get started? Our trademark specialists can help you with every step of the process. [Transfer Your Trademark](/services/uk-trademark) ![Snehaja Rana](/team/snehaja.jpg) Snehaja Rana Senior Associate & IP Specialist UK trademark trademark assignment UKIPO trademark transfer licensing ## Related Articles [ ![Trademark Searches: Beyond Google – Comprehensive Tools and Best Practices](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/pipeline/9358f640-cc7c-49d6-9d70-aafc78f3a270.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1780479747214) ### Trademark Searches: Beyond Google – Comprehensive Tools and Best Practices Jun 6, 2026 ](/blog/trademark-searches-beyond-google-comprehensive-tools-and-best-practices)[ ![EU PCT National Phase: 2026 UPC Impact](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/eu-pct-national-phase-upc-2026.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1780326641627) ### EU PCT National Phase: 2026 UPC Impact Apr 24, 2026 ](/blog/eu-pct-national-phase-upc-2026)[ ![Japan Amazon Brand Registry: Trademark Requirements 2026](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/japan-amazon-brand-registry-trademark-2026.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1780411398351) ### Japan Amazon Brand Registry: Trademark Requirements 2026 Apr 20, 2026 ](/blog/japan-amazon-brand-registry-trademark-2026) ## Site footer ![Global Trademark Company](/assets/gtc-logo-white-DQ8YcvVd.svg) Secure Every Step of Your Growth Trusted by brands since 2016 [hello@globaltrademarkcompany.com ](mailto:hello@globaltrademarkcompany.com) [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/) [+1 510-973-4964 (US & International) ](tel:+15109734964)[+44 7453 347853 (UK & EU) ](tel:+447453347853)[+91 6397-329955 (India) ](tel:+916397329955) ### Company - 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